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LPG – liquefied petroleum gas – has
huge potential as a realistic alternative to natural
gas in off mains areas. Yet with the benefits on offer,
its time to shake off outdated images of camping stoves
and improve awareness of LPG’s true capability
as a unique energy solution for commercial installations.
Here, Calor’s Sabrina Jackson confronts the myths
and explains the advantages of the cleaner fuel for
industrial and commercial heating projects.
If you’re specifying the heating system for an
off mains project, it’s understood that your fuel
choices are somewhat limited. Oil is perceived to be
economical, but it has its limitations and environmental
regulations governing its storage are tightening. Electricity
is clean at the point of use, but its generation at
the power plant has an impact on carbon emissions and
it is widely recognised as being an expensive fuel choice.
But the fact is that there is a fuel for off
mains areas that provides all the flexibility of mains
gas. It has an enviable environmental and safety track
record. It allows the full package of heating, water
heating and catering to be run from a single source.
Its recent technical developments further reinforce
a dependable supply with innovations such as Think Tank®
telemetry and underground bulk storage.
That’s the case for LPG, which quite simply gives
you gas where you can’t get gas. Yet to those
of us in the fuel sector – Calor supplies LPG
to around 70,000 business customers – it’s
amazing that these arguments are either misunderstood
or simply not recognised. There’s a real need
in the H&V sector to answer the myths, state the
latest facts, and encourage a fresh look at an established
fuel choice.
What is LPG?
LPG – liquefied petroleum gas – is the generic
name for commercial propane and butane, both hydrocarbon
products produced by the oil and gas industries. It
is available in liquid or gaseous form and is stored
in bulk tanks or cylinders, depending on the required
usage. Calor is the UK’s largest LPG supplier,
operating one of Europe’s biggest delivery fleets
and accounting for over half the UK market.
LPG means gas bottles and camping stoves –
can it power a full scale heating project?
Yes! LPG gives you gas where you can’t get gas,
with commercial premises in off mains areas enjoying
all the benefits of mains gas for heating and hot water.
LPG is available from a bulk tank supply in capacities
ranging from 1200 litres to 24,000 litres and can power
boilers, space heaters, water heaters, catering equipment
and absorption cooling equipment from a single fuel
source.
LPG can be used in the same types of commercial and
industrial space and water heating systems as natural
gas, including warm air heating, strip and plaque radiant
heaters, radiator systems and industrial unit heaters.
Calor LPG can also be used in gas powered absorption
type air conditioning systems, replacing electric compressors.
Metered systems can be installed to deliver LPG to multi-occupancy
sites with a central storage tank serving all users.
In fact, whatever the scale of the project, LPG can
provide the required energy solution.
Isn’t LPG expensive?
No – in fact as a fuel used in areas where natural
gas is unavailable, Calor LPG represents an economically
viable choice, offering substantial benefits compared
to the alternatives, including cost, when the full lifecycle
costs of the heating system are considered.
In terms of capital cost, Calor LPG compares favourably
with mains gas as bulk tanks are rented from Calor.
This also removes any maintenance issues and confronts
the commonly held belief that LPG is expensive. So it’s
not just about ‘pence per litre’ –
if you compare the costs of installation, equipment
and servicing it’s clear that LPG stacks up as
a realistic alternative in off mains areas. Couple that
with the fact that safety and maintenance of the fuel
tank remain with the LPG supplier and not the end user,
and you’ve got added peace of mind.
Isn’t LPG difficult to install?
No – It’s no more difficult than the installation
of a mains gas system. In fact, many manufacturers of
heating equipment supply easy-to-fit LPG conversion
kits as standard, or factory fitted LPG models as part
of their range. Training is readily available for CORGI
registered installers to acquire the relevant ACS module.
And when it comes to the specification of the system,
Calor for example, has a dedicated team of specialists
to assist and support heating professionals ensuring
a smooth process.
Isn’t LPG dangerous?
On the contrary, LPG has an impressive safety record.
Calor bulk tanks are extremely robust and are typically
protected by barriers and fencing. The LPG industry
is one of the most tightly regulated in terms of health
and safety and indeed Calor plays a leading part in
formulating health and safety approved codes of practice.
Importantly, in contrast to oil tanks, the responsibility
for the maintenance and safety of the bulk tank remains
with the LPG supplier and tanks are inspected and approved
for safe refuelling every time a delivery is made.
That means you can install LPG with confidence and
without the concerns associated with oil pollution and
the tightening environmental regulations governing oil
tanks.
Doesn’t LPG impact on the environment?
LPG is a cleaner burning low sulphur fuel and, based
on its low carbon emissions, is now - after natural
gas – the only viable fuel choice to meet Part
L of the Building Regulations. LPG can offer considerable
environmental and economic advantages over the use of
oil, solid fuel or electricity.
Compared to oil, LPG burns more cleanly without soot
and appliances require less maintenance. It is cleaner
and more convenient to deliver, store and use, and in
over 70 years of use there has not been one single case
of an LPG leak contaminating soil or water.
What if I run out of fuel?
That’s a concern, whatever fuel is used from a
bulk tank source – but with Calor LPG you shouldn’t
need to worry. In addition to a predictive top-up system
based on customers’ usage, Calor has also launched
the innovative Think Tank® telemetry system, which
communicates gas levels to Calor and arranges deliveries
so your client should never run out. In addition, Calor’s
technical team is available from the outset to assist
with the specification of the bulk tanks’ capacity,
based on likely fuel usage.
Aren’t LPG bulk tanks unsightly?
No more unsightly than any bulk fuel tank. However,
here again, Calor can address this concern with the
installation of tanks underground if required –
an option that is proving increasingly attractive to
specifiers and end users alike.
Doesn’t LPG have a limited range of options?
Far from it. In fact there has been a dramatic increase
in the choice available from leading manufacturers,
most of whom now offer LPG models in their product ranges.
Whether it’s Ambi-Rad or Reznor supplying radiant,
space or blown air equipment, Andrews or Lochinvar providing
water heaters/boilers, or Falcon supplying catering
equipment, specifiers, contractors and installers can
be reassured that LPG allows the full range of relevant
equipment available.
Indeed, LPG’s flexibility sees its use as an
established fuel for applications beyond heating and
cooling. LPG powers forklift trucks, ATV’s and
road vehicles as well as groundcare and agricultural
equipment. In the leisure sector, LPG, in addition to
providing the single energy package of heating and catering
for pubs, hotels and restaurants, also powers patio
heaters and barbecues.
Finally, it’s worth bearing in mind that your
clients depend upon you to provide the best solution
for their energy needs. LPG combines tried and tested
technology with technical innovation. When it comes
to reducing capital costs, running costs and maintenance,
as well as meeting environmental requirements, it’s
clear that LPG delivers.
Sabrina Jackson is Calor’s Commercial Market
Manager.
Issued on behalf of Calor by Connect PR, Chubb Buildings,
Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT. Telephone 01902
714957. For further information please contact Kath
Brown at Connect PR or email kath@connect-group.com.
 Click
here to download this press release in Word format
Ref: CG148
Released: November 2004
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